From outback to haute cuisine, Australian native foods will be the focus of an industry-leading forum in Cranbourne on Friday March 2.
Michelin-starred chef Ben Shewry from Attica in Ripplonlea will detail his passion for native food – and share the specs he requires from growers and suppliers.
Ranked 32 in the world’s top 50 restaurants, Attica is a prominent showcase of the best from the bush.
The day-long forum at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Cranbourne,details the exciting prospects and opportunities of this burgeoning sector.
The event is being staged by Australian Native Food and Botanicals (ANFAB), as part of a national roadshow backed by the Australian Government’s Farming Together Program.
The event is also backed by the Food Innovation Australia Limited.
Organiser and ANFAB chair is experienced chef Amanda Garner who farms at Birregura said: “We are keen to grow linkages between chef and grower to develop the native foods industry. Fundamental to this program is integration of indigenous cultural knowledge. This strengthens the industry’s understanding and appreciation of the unique qualities of these species.”
Other speakers addressing the day include industry pioneers Mike and Gayle Quarmby of SA’s Outback Pride Fresh who are Australia’s main supplier of native greens.
Regular customers include some of the world’s top chefs, including Kylie Kwong, Peter Gilmore of Sydney’s Quay and Rene Redzepi.
Also, Yuandamarra (Paul Kiely) will share the experience of the Aboriginal-owned Red Centre Enterprises, an agribusiness company in South Australia that gives Indigenous communities a path to market with crops and produce.
He will discuss growing and supplying wild harvest, while wattleseed grower Anthony Leddin from Eumerlia Run Wattle will talk about developing equipment for mechanical harvesting.
Local grower Julie Weatherhead, who runs cooking classes and lunches from her Tynong North property Peppermint Ridge, will lead a walk around the native food garden at Cranbourne.
Farming Together has funded workshops for ANFAB across Australia program director Lorraine Gordon said: “This program is good for our dining diversity, for the prosperity of remote and Indigenous communities and for the Australian farming eco-system.”
The day runs from 8.30am – 4.30pm Gates open at 8.00am. The event, including all refreshments, is $60. Bookings at https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/growing-the-growers-melbourne-tickets-42523760713.
